Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Assembly convened:

That the general statutes be amended to permit the appointment of an animal advocate, who shall be a veterinarian in the Department of Agriculture, to act as a court advocate on behalf of an animal whose welfare or custody is the subject of a civil or criminal court proceeding, including, but not limited to, a criminal court proceeding regarding cruelty to animals under section 53-247 of the general statutes.

Statement of Purpose:

To allow for the appointment of a court advocate to act on behalf of an animal whose welfare or custody is the subject of a civil or criminal court proceeding.